Bret9273 wrote:My question is how much on a percentage basis should I put into the Index fund. I thinking of putting some percentages into 1,2,4,5 in addition to the Vanguard INdex and I have yet to research 6,7, and 8.

I think that your first step should be to determine what portfolio alocation you want for Equities vs. Fixed Income. The answer to this should depend on how soon you will need to start withdrawing from the portfolio and on how well you can handle the volatility of equities.

If you have more than 10 years until you will need to start withdrawing this money, you should be primarily in equities. The Vanguard S&P500 is an excellent fund, and very well diversified. You might consider putting all of your equity alocation in this fund.

Then, I think I would put the fixed income portion in the bond fund. If you have 10 years until you'l need it, you might want something like 90% VFINX and 10% bonds. If the volatility makes you nervous, increase the bond percentage. I would go more than 25% bonds though, because it reduces your overall portfolio appreciation potential.

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